Lottery games are legal in Jamaica and regulated by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission under the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1965. While lotteries are explicitly termed illegal under the Act, they may be exempted from illegality and allowed to be conducted under certain conditions subject to strict safeguards. The BGLC is designated under law as the sole authority in Jamaica to receive and review applications for lottery licenses (1).
The legislative framework was introduced to place gambling activities under regulation and control, with the objective of achieving a sanitized lottery market. Any entity which desires to enter the lottery market may make an application at any time to the commission and, if found to be fit and proper, the commission is obligated to grant it a license. The lottery license application process is rigorous and designed to protect consumers from unfit entities entering the market (2).
"The lottery licence application process is rigorous and cannot be fast-tracked for any applicant's benefit. The process is designed to protect consumers and the country from unfit entities entering the market."
Residents can purchase lottery tickets from licensed operators throughout Jamaica, with gambling permitted for adults 18 and over. The government recognized that gambling should make its fair contributions to the revenue of the country while providing employment and assisting in works of public interest. The regulatory framework ensures all gaming activities are conducted fairly and in accordance with laws, rules, regulations and orders (1).
Source:
https://www.bglc.gov.jm/laws-legislation/
https://publicgaming.com/news-categories/regulatory-issues/6572-the-facts-about-jamaica-s-lottery-licences
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
